Brian Presnell has had a tough life.
By the age of nine, he’d lost his alcoholic mother, had been repeatedly beaten by his father, in and out of boys’ homes, and, at 16, was raped at a party by a stranger.
“I was battling depression and anxiety and was homeless,” he said. “I turned to drugs and alcohol, I was kicked around so much.”
Sixteen years ago, Mr Presnell was introduced to Reclink, and life began to change. The organisation, which tackles disadvantage through sport, has changed his life by giving him a reason to live.
“Reclink has helped me immensely,” he said. “It’s one of those wonders that you just can’t describe it because it’s so magnificent. What I get from it is so great: I’ve been playing sport in groups, I’ve been a leader, an ambassador; it’s shown me I can achieve things.
“When I was young, I didn’t learn much because I was kicked around so much. What Reclink has done is given me purpose – it’s made me feel good about myself, given me self esteem. It’s opened a door to another life – I have not loved my life, but since Reclink came along, I’ve begun to love my life.”
Mr Presnall will tackle the Reclink Community Champions Run on May 1, and is encouraging others to join in the fundraiser to keep Reclink running. Participants can chose to walk or run 2km, 5km or 10km.
Click here for details.
